6. Project Objectives:
   1. To determine the epizootiological situation regarding Salmonella spp. and E. coli in the West Kazakhstan region and to collect data on microbial antimicrobial resistance.
   2. To assess the sanitary conditions of poultry farms in the region.
   3. To collect information on the use of antibiotics in poultry farms over the past five years.
      (Objectives 1–3 are aimed at analyzing the epizootiological situation, identifying possible transmission routes of infection and resistance genes, and studying antibiotic usage on poultry farms.)
   4. To isolate Salmonella spp. and E. coli strains from materials obtained from poultry farms.
   5. To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolates using microbiological methods.
      (Objectives 4–5 are aimed at assessing the presence and antibiotic susceptibility of these bacteria and preparing materials for whole-genome sequencing.)
   6. To perform whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolates circulating in poultry farms.
   7. To conduct comparative genomic analyses to identify genetic determinants associated with resistance and virulence, assess evolutionary changes, and establish phylogenetic relationships among the isolates.
      (Objectives 6–7 are aimed at studying microbial species characteristics and genomic features to support the development of preventive strategies against resistance.)
   8. To develop key principles and methods for preventing the development of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms.

   Technology Readiness Level (TRL):

   • At project start – TRL 1
   • At project completion – TRL 2

• Expected Results and Scientific Novelty:The proposed project on the study of antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from poultry farms has significant potential for the advancement of veterinary science.
  A comprehensive understanding of resistance mechanisms obtained from this research will enable the development of new and more effective strategies for treating animal diseases, taking into account the specific characteristics of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles.The identification of new drug targets will facilitate the development of novel classes of antimicrobial agents that are not traditional antibiotics, which may serve as effective alternatives in veterinary medicine.
  Such agents could form the basis for innovative feed additives or veterinary drugs.The project results will also help optimize antibiotic use in veterinary practice, reduce the risk of resistance development, and minimize side effects. Furthermore, the study will contribute to improved preventive measures against animal diseases, reducing losses in livestock production and enhancing food safety.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Epizootiological analysis and sanitary assessment of poultry farms in the West Kazakhstan region will be conducted.
2. Information on antibiotic use at poultry farms will be collected.
3. Biological samples from clinically healthy, diseased, and deceased birds, as well as from environmental sources, will be collected, and Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolates will be obtained.
4. Antibiotic resistance and species identification of the isolates will be determined.
5. Whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolates will be conducted to identify resistance genes.
6. Genetic associations with antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity will be analyzed.
7. Genomic analysis will be performed to detect resistance and virulence genes, assess evolutionary changes, and determine phylogenetic relationships among isolates.
8. Recommendations for the effective use of antimicrobial agents will be developed.
9. Preventive guidelines for intestinal infections will be proposed.
10. Publications:

• At least two (2) articles and/or reviews in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science, Q1 or Q2) and/or Scopus (CiteScore ≥ 65 percentile);
• At least two (2) articles or reviews in foreign or domestic journals recommended by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education (KOKNVO);
• One article must be in a multidisciplinary category with practical application for enterprises in Kazakhstan’s real economic sector;
• The project results must also include design and engineering documentation prepared according to the Unified System for Design Documentation (ESKD).

1. One (1) PhD student (or Doctor of Profile) will be trained with a dissertation topic aligned with the project theme.

Research results will be presented at a scientific conference

• List of goods, works and services under the AR26101263 project dated 09232025
• Updated list of goods, works and services for the AR26101263 project dated 10.21.2025
• Updated list of goods, works and services under the AR26101263 project dated 11.23.2025
• Updated list of goods, works and services under the AR26101263 project dated 11.20.2025